NT Media Awards

2017 Award Winners

The Darwin Press Club and the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Northern Territory Media Awards. The winners in the 16 award categories were chosen from 40 finalists representing nine news media organisations.

The annual awards – proudly supported by MEAA, the Walkley Foundation and the Darwin Press Club – celebrate quality journalism and reward media professionals whose commitment and excellent media coverage best informs and entertains the Territory

The judges praised the calibre and depth of reporting in the Northern Territory in all its forms, from interactive digital pieces and television stories to broadcast interviews and feature print stories.

The 2017 Northern Territory Media Awards Winners

Television/Radio – Best Broadcast Interview

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Katie Woolf, Mix 104.9, Body of Work

Finalists:

Isabelle Mullen, 9 News Darwin, Youth crime
Lisa Pellegrino, ABC, Body of Work

Judges Comments:

Katie showed tenacity and was combat ready in her political interviews, pressing politicians on their statements and commitments. She also showed the breadth of her interviewing abilities, changing pace for a sensitive discussion in the wake of the Manchester attack. The interviews were timely and newsbreaking. She was well-prepared for each interview and managed to cut through to the heart of the issues, acting as a competent guide for her audiences on complex topics. Katie was willing to run interviews over several minutes, not allowing politicians to filibuster or run out the clock and would intervene if necessary to get an answer.

Television/Radio – Best Current Affairs or Feature

Sponsored by City of Darwin

Winner: Kristy O’Brien, Owain Stia-James and Ian Redfearn, ABC, Seven Emu: Wild Bull Catching in the Top End

Finalists:

James Oaten, ABC News, Australian-Kurdish fighter challenges authorities to charge him
Jess Ong, Johanna Bell and Rosa Ellen, SPUN Stories, SPUN Stories’ podcast

Judges Comments:

Seven Emu provided a compelling insight into a world many Australians would rarely see. The main story was deftly put together under tough circumstances in a remote part of the Northern Territory. The team got the best out of their interviewees and the vision of the bull catching itself was exceptionally shot and edited. Working within the feature format, Kristy was able to let the shots and natural sound add to the story – taking the audience along for the bumpy ride. The addition of the “behind the scenes ” video was a huge asset. It captured a large separate online audience and was well made. All up – exemplary story telling.

Television/Radio – Best News Coverage

Sponsored by True North Strategic Communication

Winner: Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency

Finalists:

Matt Cunningham, SKY News, The Crisis No one Talks About
Nadia Daly, ABC News, ‘Unforgivable error’: Medical bungle leaves two women without their breasts

Judges Comments:

Jano’s report was an important piece of journalism that exposed a shocking reality in a remote part of the country. The CCTV vision he obtained was crucial to illustrate the story and provide proof of the problem. For audiences removed from the situation – the pictures told more than experts or witnesses ever could. The story was well told to a national audience and was followed up by domestic and international outlets. His story stood out among a strong field of candidates. His work as a solo video journalist is also to be commended.

Best News Camerawork of the Year

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Ryan Scott-Young, ABC, Body of work

Finalists:

Paul Collins, Nine News, My Year in the NT
Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Body of work

Judges Comments:

In a strong field, Ryan Scott Young’s unique vision and style was a step above. He not only overcame the challenges of filming in remote regions of the Territory, but embraced them, finding beauty in the harsh environment. His thoughtful and creative camera work on the ‘Bush Cars’ story made for particularly enjoyable and memorable viewing. He also showed sensitivity, discretion and respect when it came to his human subjects in the Bush Mob story. Judges noted Ryan’s feature-style approach to filming, which lifted his camera work above that of which you would normally expect of daily news coverage.

Print/ Text – Best Feature Writing

Sponsored by Charles Darwin University

Winner: Matt Garrick, NT News/Sunday Territorian, The Great Divide

Finalists:

Kieran Banks, NT News, Attacks on our protectors
Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of work – the good, the bad, and the unusual
Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Body of work

Judges Comments:

In addition to being beautifully composed and written, Matt Garrick’s collection of features demonstrate remarkable insight into the political and social life of the NT. It was a tightly contested race with Helen Davidson but in the end Garrick’s ability to take what could have been a dry political yarn and make it a page turner nudged him ahead. The judges made a point of highly commending Davidson, whose wide-ranging body of work was also of a superior standard and a wonderful read.

Print/ Text – Best News Coverage

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Matt Cunningham, Sky News/NT News, NT’s Prison Blues

Finalists:

Craig Dunlop, NT News and Centralian Advocate, Underbelly in the outback
Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Tough on crime

Judges Comments:

Matt Cunningham’s series of exclusives reports into the failings within the NT’s corrections system are an example of the value of cultivating good contacts and dogged persistence to break news. Matt has an acute knowledge of the Northern Territory and through obtaining secret reports was able to uncover revelations the Darwin Correctional Precinct was riddled with issues, and that the Government had ignored its own expert panel’s advice to build a new youth facility. Matt complemented these stories with insightful opinion pieces which gave readers a valuable insight into the controversies.

All Media – Best Environment/Innovation Reporting

Sponsored by Engineers Australia

Winner: Jane Bardon, ABC News, Development problems exposed: McArthur River Mine and NT Fracking

Finalists:

Sara Everingham, ABC News, Digging up the costs of mining
Steven Schubert, ABC News, Body of work

Judges Comments:

Jane Bardon’s stories on McArthur River Mine and Fracking ticked all the boxes, making her entry a standout winner in the Best Environment/Innovation Reporting category. She exposed major environmental problems at McArthur River Mine and proposed fracking fields that brought issues and concerns buried deep in the remoteness of the Territory to light. Her investigations were thorough and her reports, comprehensive and newsworthy. Jane’s work is absolutely deserving of the award and she is to be congratulated on her commitment and dedication to raising the reporting bar with her scrupulous research and compelling presentations. Judges were impressed by all entries in this category which demonstrate that Northern Territory journalists are keeping up to speed with a range of environmental topics, highlighting problems and presenting innovative solutions that are helping to protect and preserve our animals and our land.

All Media – Best Online Coverage

Sponsored by NT Chamber of Commerce

Winner: Andrew Piva, Julian Ricci Matt Garrick, Tamara Howie and Molly Baxter, NT News, Bombing of Darwin 75th anniversary

Finalists:

Jane Bardon and Emma Vincent, ABC News, NT investigations; McArthur Mine, BRADAAG, Rogan threat, Stolen Generation, Fracking
Avani Dias and Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Community success: learning on country

Judges Comments:

The NT News coverage of the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin was innovative and eye-catching, demonstrating excellent research and planning skills. Using archival material and first-person accounts, a series of well-written digital features told a historic Northern Territory story utilising a modern format. Reporters captured both Australian and Japanese perspectives and delved into the archives to illustrate their custom-made interactive features. This was an excellent example of creative online coverage leading the way to serve local, national and international audiences.

All Media – Best Scoop/Newsbreaker

Sponsored by Lion

Winner: Nadia Daly, ABC News, ‘Unforgivable error’: Medical bungle leaves two women without their breasts

Finalists:

Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency
Chris Walsh and Kieran Banks, NT News, Fractured Force
Matt Cunningham, Sky News and NT News, Hamburger’s Prison Pickle

Judges Comments:

The judges really struggled with accessing this category. Here you see four cracking stories, that each took extensive research, cultivating of contacts, dogged determination to get to the bottom of four very complex matters, in a way that was succinct, compelling, and highlighted matters of utmost importance. Nadia’s report was confronting, thorough, and sensitive in the way it dealt with a very disturbing series of misdiagnosis. There was a deep level of trust from the woman at the centre of this story, and she was able to tell a story of devastation and betrayal. Nadia gave voice to authorities who ultimately apologised and addressed the systemic failures displayed. Stories like this really challenge you to question if this story would ever have seen the light of day had it not been for reporting of the highest merit. Matt Cunningham is Highly Commended for his coverage of the Hamburger report. Matt’s series of reports exposing seemingly political coverup, bad decision-making, and cutting corners – or a combination of the three was a masterclass in the nuance of detail hidden in a report. Matt’s reports cut through very complex and highly politicised matters in a way that was succinct and easy to absorb.

All Media – Best Sports Journalism

Sponsored by Serafino Wines

Winner: Jane Bardon and Tristan Hooft, ABC News, Sport programs changing lives need more support

Finalists:

Jenny Munro, NT News, Women’s Cricket in the NT: Building an Innings
Shahni Wellington, ABC News, More than colour stories

Judges Comments:

Jane Bardon’s series of stories went beyond typical sports coverage of match reports, scores and injuries, to find a human angle and explore how sport can become a vehicle for social change. Bardon’s body of work also highlighted the often overlooked role of volunteers, funding challenges and the importance of sport at a grassroots level in the Territory. Overall, a well crafted body-of-work entry, featuring engaging, original stories

All Media – Excellence in Indigenous Reporting

Sponsored by Darwin Press Club / MEAA

Winner: Jane Bardon, ABC News, Regaining life control: Marshall Wallace, Bush Mob, Stolen Generation, Retta Dixon

Finalists:

Avani Dias, ABC, Body of work
Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency

Judges Comments:

An exceptionally tough category to judge, with the three finalists all breaking stories of national and international interest across multiple platforms. Jane Bardon’s experience and extensive community contacts saw her just nudge ahead of the other finalists, with a strong cross section of stories told with depth and sensitivity, that importantly, gave a voice to Indigenous Territorians rarely heard in the national media landscape. Bardon’s story on Marshall Wallace – a terminally ill man jailed for driving offences – was a standout, with her reporting ultimately leading to Federal Government intervention and Mr Wallace being released from prison.

All Media – Excellence in Northern Reporting

Sponsored by NT Cattlemen’s Association

Winner: Ben Smee and Chris Walsh, NT News, Crocs in the Cabinet

Finalists:

Jane Bardon, ABC News, Demanding a different way: Aaron Hyde, Kenny Rogan, Ian Johns, Bushmob, Brahminy and Balunu
Kristy O’Brien, ABC, Following the dust

Judges Comments:

Crocs in the Cabinet, by Ben Smee and Christopher Walsh is the very worthy winner of the 2017 Excellence in Northern Reporting Award. This award recognises a high level of achievement in journalism: in research, reporting and analysis and those elements are clearly demonstrated in Crocs in the Cabinet. Between 2012 and 2016,the Mills/Giles Government gave these two NT News journalists an extraordinary amount of material to work with and that’s evident in the book, but it’s their combined ability to put the events of those years within a wider Territory context that is the real strength of Crocs in the Cabinet. The book has had a significant impact here in the Territory. It’s ben widely read and much discussed and its authors are well deserved winners tonight.

Photography of the Year

Sponsored by INPEX

Winner: Elise Derwin, NT News, Body of work

Finalists:

Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of work
Justin Kennedy, NT News, The Territory Lifestyle

Judges Comments:

Elise Derwin’s photos show great skill and sensitivity. Photos of a Mulluwirri Magpies fan pausing to feel the rain on his face in the Bathurst Islands, a local surfer carving up monsoonal waves on the Nightcliff foreshore and local performers in the Botanical Gardens demonstrate Elise’s skill in capturing both spontaneous and carefully prepared photos. Vibrant, arresting images that are full of life.

All Media- Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award

Sponsored by Mix 104.9

Winner: Chris McLennan, Fairfax Media, Chemical contamination

Finalists:

Matt Cunningham, SKY News, The Crisis No one Talks About
Jane Bardon, ABC News, Terminally ill man imprisoned for driving offences fights to be released from custody
Katie Woolf, Mix 104.9, CBD Revitalisation

Judges Comments:

Chris McLennan’s reporting stood out among a strong field. He clearly listened to community concern, researched thoroughly, and kept pushing the story along with considered and balanced coverage of an enormous story. Chris’ work was in the vein of the late Pete Davies – of listening to a concern coming from the community, and doggedly chasing it to get an outcome. Chris’ coverage arguably prompted the much bigger national conversation about defence bases and environmental concerns, that we are seeing unfold right now. The judges were impressed with Chris’ tenacity and perseverance to tell the story, and tell it fully, while always advocating for it to be rectified. Each of the finalists showed a commitment to getting to the truth in a balanced and unbiased way, and each prosecuted an area of community concern, with a determination to get to positive outcomes.

Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2017

Sponsored by The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

Winner: Elliana Lawford, NITV News, Indigenous Territory

Finalists:

Avani Dias, ABC, Body of work
Henry Jones, Channel 9, Body of work

Judges Comments:

Elliana Lawford’s body of work showed a high level of skill and professionalism in challenging environments. She negotiated the pressures of working solo to shoot, write, edit and deliver well scripted and thought-provoking stories. Her work took her to some of the most remote parts of the Territory to tell stories that were otherwise untouched. It demonstrated an understanding of the importance of building relationships and investigating complex issues from several perspectives. Elliana is a worthy winner in a category that contained an incredibly high standard of work. The future of journalism in the Northern Territory looks very bright.

Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year 2017

Sponsored by The NT Government

Winner: Jano Gibson, ABC

Judges Comments:

There was a strong campaigning element to this year’s awards, from poisoned aquifers to poisoned mines, but for true impact — Territory, national and international — the judges felt Jano Gibson’s entry in the Best News Coverage TV/Radio category, “Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land” was outstanding. This confronting exclusive was impossible to ignore. It not only highlighted a problem many believed had gone away, it revealed a new extreme in the petrol-sniffing scourge. This was a story any journalist would put his or her name to.

2017 Finalists

Finalists announced in the 2017 NT Media Awards

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), the union and industry advocate for Australia’s journalists, is delighted to announce the finalists in the 2017 Northern Territory Media Awards – the pre-eminent Territory-based awards promoting journalistic excellence across print, broadcast and digital media platforms.

The annual awards – which are proudly supported by MEAA, the Walkley Foundation and the Darwin Press Club – celebrate quality journalism and reward media professionals whose commitment and excellent media coverage best informs and entertains the Territory.

The 2017 NT Media Awards will be presented at a gala award presentation at Sky City in Darwin on Saturday November 11. Tickets are available: $120 for MEAA or Darwin Press Club | non-members $140. To book, call: 1300 65 65 13.

For more information on the awards and to book your tickets go to: https://www.meaa.org/nt-media-awards/

MEAA congratulates all the finalists in this year’s awards.

For more information: Anna Magnus 0423 363 725

The 2017 Northern Territory Media Awards Finalists

Television/Radio – Best Broadcast Interview

Sponsored by Media Super

Isabelle Mullen, 9 News Darwin, Youth crime
Lisa Pellegrino, ABC, Body of Work
Katie Woolf, Mix 104.9, Body of Work

Television/Radio- Best Current Affairs or Feature

Sponsored by City of Darwin

James Oaten, ABC News, Australian-Kurdish fighter challenges authorities to charge him
Kristy O’Brien, Owain Stia-James and Ian Redfearn, ABC, Seven Emu: Wild Bull Catching in the Top End
Jess Ong, Johanna Bell and Rosa Ellen, SPUN Stories, SPUN Stories’ podcast

Television/Radio – Best News Coverage

Sponsored by True North Strategic Communication

Matthew Cunningham, SKY News, The Crisis No one Talks About
Nadia Daly, ABC News, ‘Unforgivable error’: Medical bungle leaves two women without their breasts
Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency

Best News Camerawork of the Year

Sponsored by Media Super

Paul Collins, Nine News, My Year in the NT
Ryan Scott-Young, ABC, Body of work
Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Body of Work

Print/ Text- Best Feature Writing

Sponsored by Charles Darwin University

Kieran Banks, NT News, Attacks on our protectors
Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of work – the good, the bad, and the unusual
Matt Garrick, NT News/Sunday Territorian, The Great Divide
Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Body of Work

Print/ Text- Best News Coverage

Sponsored by Media Super

Matt Cunningham, Sky News/NT News, NT’s Prison Blues
Craig Dunlop, NT News and Centralian Advocate, Underbelly in the outback
Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Tough on crime

All Media- Best Environment/Innovation Reporting

Sponsored by Engineers Australia

Jane Bardon, ABC News, Development problems exposed: McArthur River Mine and NT Fracking
Sara Everingham, ABC News, Digging up the costs of mining
Steven Schubert, ABC News, Body of Work

All Media- Best Online Coverage

Sponsored by NT Chamber of Commerce

Jane Bardon and Emma Vincent, ABC News, NT investigations; McArthur Mine, BRADAAG, Rogan threat, Stolen Generation, Fracking
Avani Dias and Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Community success: learning on country
Andrew Piva, Julian Ricci Matthew Garrick, Tamara Howie and Molly Baxter, NT News, Bombing of Darwin 75th anniversary

All Media-Best Scoop/Newsbreaker

Sponsored by Lion

Nadia Daly, ABC News, ‘Unforgivable error’: Medical bungle leaves two women without their breasts
Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency
Chris Walsh and Kieran Banks , NT News , Fractured Force
Matt Cunningham, Sky News and NT News, Hamburger’s Prison Pickle

All Media- Best Sports Journalism

Sponsored by Serafino Wines

Jane Bardon and Tristan Hooft, ABC News, Sport programs changing lives need more support
Jenny Munro, NT News, Women’s Cricket in the NT: Building an Innings
Shahni Wellington, ABC News, More than colour stories

All Media- Excellence in Indigenous Reporting

Sponsored by Darwin Press Club / MEAA

Jane Bardon, ABC News, Regaining life control: Marshall Wallace, Bush Mob, Stolen Generation, Retta Dixon
Avani Dias, ABC, Body of work
Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency

All Media-Excellence in Northern Reporting

Sponsored by NT Cattlemen’s Association

Jane Bardon, ABC News , Demanding a different way: Aaron Hyde, Kenny Rogan, Ian Johns, Bushmob, Brahminy and Balunu
Kristy O’Brien, ABC, Following the dust
Ben Smee and Christopher A Walsh, NT News, Crocs in the Cabinet

Photography of the Year

Sponsored by INPEX

Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of Work
Elise Derwin, NT News, Body of work
Justin Kennedy, NT News, The Territory Lifestyle

All Media- Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award

Sponsored by Mix 104.9

Chris McLennan, Fairfax Media, Chemical contamination
Matt Cunningham, SKY News, The Crisis No one Talks About
Jane Bardon, ABC News, Terminally ill man imprisoned for driving offences fights to be released from custody
Katie Woolf, Mix 104.9, CBD Revitalisation

Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2017

Sponsored by The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

Avani Dias, ABC ,Body of Work
Henry Jones, Channel 9, Body of Work
Elliana Lawford, NITV News , Indigenous Territory

2016 Awards

2016 NT Journalist of the year James Oaten with Chief Minister Michael Gunner.The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), the union and industry advocate for Australia’s journalists, is delighted to announce the winners of the 2016 Northern Territory Media Awards – the pre-eminent Territory-based awards promoting journalistic excellence across print, broadcast and digital media platforms.

The annual awards – which are supported by MEAA, the Walkley Foundation and the Darwin Press Club – celebrate quality journalism and reward media professionals whose commitment and excellent media coverage best informs and entertains the Territory.

This year’s awards were presented on Saturday evening at SkyCity in Darwin before the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and the Lord Mayor of Darwin with almost 300 people attending the event – an indication that the NT Media Awards is a key event for the media industry.

Darwin Press Club president Neda Vanovac said: “NT journalists, photographers and camera operators have continued to produce an incredibly high standard of work, breaking big national and international stories. The Darwin Press Club is thrilled to see them recognised, proving how much talent there is in the top end and central Australia, unearthing and telling crucial stories that might otherwise go untold.”

The 2016 Northern Territory Journalist of the Year is James Oaten from the ABC, who also won the categories of Best News Coverage and Best Current Affairs or Feature for TV/Radio for his internationally newsbreaking stories of Australians travelling to Syria to fight against ISIS. Judges praised him for demonstrated tenacity in identifying and pursuing a story, maintaining a dedication to truth and accuracy, independent thinking, fairness, impartiality and humanity.

In a year when the after-effects of the Don Dale youth justice scandal continue to echo, it has been particularly gratifying to see the work of ABC reporter Kate Wild recognised in two major categories: the Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award and the Excellence in Indigenous Reporting Award for the ground-breaking local reports she filed over a long period of time, which formed a basis for Four Corners’ expose which triggered a royal commission. Her work truly generated palpable change which has resonated around the country.

The ABC’s Jane Bardon was recognised with two prizes for her work, particularly her ongoing reports on environmental issues affecting remote Aboriginal communities, such as the MacArthur River Mine near Borroloola, and congratulated for her ability to form long-lasting contacts in remote places.

Christopher Walsh from the NT News won the Best Scoop and the Excellence in Northern Reporting categories for his dogged ongoing political reporting investigating corruption and dodgy dealings at the highest levels of government. The judges noted his strong track record for breaking stories that matter to Territorians.

The ABC’s Avani Dias is the 2016 Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year, recognised for her consistently excellent reporting. The judges praised her for her deep understanding of NT issues, and her persistence and determination as a reporter.

MEAA and the Darwin Press Club congratulate all the winners who, through their work, continue to prove the depth and breadth of talent in the NT.
Print/ Text Best News Coverage

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, The Northern Territory’s ongoing crisis in juvenile detention

Finalists:
- Amos Aikman, The Australian, Policy Adventure
- Dani McDonald, NT News, Housing woes of the Northern Territory
- Christopher Walsh, NT News, Covering the NT Political Circus
Judges’ comments:

“All three finalists demonstrated strong investigative skills in uncovering stories of NT, national and international interest. In each entry, it was evident the amount of time and effort that went into uncovering their respective stories and demonstrated the high calibre of journalism being produced out of the Northern Territory. Helen Davidson’s investigation on the crisis within the NT juvenile detention centre began well before the Four Corners’ investigation aired earlier this year. Told through the eyes of an inmate, it demonstrated creative flair and a deep understanding of the issue, as did her ensuing pieces following the Four Corners’ footage outcry. The judges commended Dani McDonald for her series on the NT’s Department of Housing crisis, noting she worked extremely hard to gain the trust of residents to tell their stories without fear of recrimination.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Print/ Text Best Feature Writing

Sponsored by Charles Darwin University

Winner: Matt Garrick, NT News, Out of the Darkness

Finalists:
- Amos Aikman, The Australian, Feral-proof fence
- Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of Work
- Zach Hope, NT News, The old and the new
Judges’ comments:

“The judges noted the exceptionally high calibre of entries, which made this category a difficult one to settle on a winner. Matt Garrick shared the unique stories and characters of central and northern Australia in an interesting and engaging way. His writing flair made the story telling seem effortless, when the complexities of the topics were anything but. From nuclear tests in the desert to the Top End greyhound racing industry, the judges noted the topics were all very worthy of bringing to the attention of Territorians however he did so by demonstrating a great level of creativity. The judges also wanted to make special mention of The Guardian’s Johanna Bell, who wrote about the often-told story of Peter Falconio’s disappearance but managed to deliver new insights into the famous case.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Television/Radio Best News Coverage

Sponsored by Michels Warren Munday

Winner: James Oaten, ABC, Shock and anger: Fallout from youth detention abuse exposed on 4Corners

Finalists:
- Jane, Bardon, ABC, Holding Government to account on real issues behind the scandals
- Katherine Gregory, ABC, Breaking the silence and suffering inside Wickham Point
Judges’ comments:

“James Oaten delivered a polished selection of stories across both radio and TV news. When reporting on the fallout from the Four Corners story into youth detention, he cut through the storm of voices to consistently deliver clear, confident reports that absolutely earned their place on a national platform. Despite the time limits, he skilfully captured the important issues, facts and opinions about a topic that will simmer in the Territory for a long time to come.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Television/ Radio Best Broadcast Interview

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Katie Woolf, Territory Broadcasters, A collection of interviews

Finalists:
- Rebecca McLaren, ABC, Body of Work
- Lisa Pellegrino, ABC, Body of Work
Judges’ comments:

“Katie did exactly what commercial radio sets out to do, providing entertaining, compact and informative interviews in a punchy way. Her political interviews dealt deftly with the topics burning hottest during a particularly wild election campaign. Her questions were frequently short and sharp – her guests were challenged, provoked and thoroughly grilled – but they were also allowed to speak their mind. The overall result was classy radio that made politics incredibly accessible…and never ever let it be boring. Congratulations Katie Woolf.”

Link to view winning submission here.

Television/Radio Best Current Affairs or Feature

Sponsored by City of Darwin

Winner: James Oaten, ABC, Australians dying in Syria – how can it be stopped?

Finalists:
- Jane Bardon, ABC, Digging deep to expose the rot
- Rosa Ellen, ABC, Central Desert art radio package
Judges’ comments:

“There were many excellent entries in this category showing the diversity of media broadcasting, from beautiful long form radio features transporting us into the central desert art world to hard hitting news and current affairs. James’ internationally news-breaking story about a young Australian who disappeared from home to fight with the Kurds in Syria stood out for its newsworthiness, human interest, incredible footage and access to a part of the world that is in the news almost every day but rarely seen on this level of engagement. James’ interviews are compelling and powerful giving insight into an horrific and personal journey. He obviously developed a huge rapport and trust with Reece Harding’s family, the Kurdish community and fellow fighters, and his high level of dedication, journalism and craft skills shine through.”

Links to view winning submission (one and two).

Photography of the Year

Sponsored by Inpex

Winner: Elise Derwin, NT News, Body of Work

Finalists:
- Justin Kennedy, NT News, Body of Work
- Helen Orr, NT News, Body of Work
- Ivan Rachman, NT News, Body of Work
Judges’ comments:

“Elise Derwin is the winner of the Photography of the Year category. Judges felt her set of images ticked all the boxes for technical and compositional excellence, newsworthiness and impact. Along with reporter Ellie Turner, she undressed appropriately to go undercover into a nudist camp to produce Nudist Nomads – No Tan Lines Here. Her brilliant photo of fire-blowing Crocodile Man, Craig West, captured a fireball that appeared to morph into evening thunderclouds and her graphic photo of boxer Peter Graham landing a punch on rival Julius Long at the World Boxing Foundation title in Darwin had a real ‘ouch’ factor. Elise’s coverage of a triple-fatal road crash on Tiger Brennan Drive encapsulated the horror, tragedy and despair of the situation while innocence and simplicity were depicted in her photo of two young brothers playing football in their Melville Island backyard.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three and four).

Best News Camerawork of the Year

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Body of Work

Finalists:
- Andrew Hyde, Freelance, Body of Work
- Ryan Scott Young, ABC, Body of Work
Judges’ comments:

“Mitch Woolnough through his body of work has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify and convey impartiality, creativity and an editorially sound understanding of his brief in more often than not challenging environments. Mitch demonstrates an innovative and thoughtful approach to subjects where discretion, tact and sensitivity is required. His composition of Uluru, which has become an almost photographic cliché, also shows his ability to create something truly unique. His work is clearly identifiable, and his contribution to each story is a key component to the success of those with which he collaborates.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

All Media Best Online Coverage

Sponsored by NT Chamber of Commerce

Winner: Jane Bardon, ABC, ABC News and Current Affairs Darwin

Finalists:
- James Dunlevie, ABC, Don Dale
- Elliana Lawford, ABC, Series – Wave Hill walk-off 50th anniversary
Judges’ comments:

“Jane’s exclusive online stories took readers to remote corners of Australia, and highlighted failures of government and of local corporations affecting remote Indigenous communities. Jane’s online feature exposing serious environmental issues at the McArthur River Mine was a comprehensive and detailed investigation which was especially praised by the judges. It included a great use of photography and video in a long-form style which had national interest. The judges praised Jane’s determination to step outside of the office to uncover stories affecting remote residents of the Territory.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

All Media Best Scoop/Newsbreaker

Sponsored by Telstra

Winner:    Christopher Walsh, NT News, Shares Scandal

Finalists:
- Amos Aikman, The Australian, Darwin Port
- James Oaten, ABC, Symbol of Kurdistan: Gold Coast man killed while fighting against Islamic State
Judges’ comments:

“Christopher’s exclusive report had major impact, and came about after persistent commitment to the story. Christopher’s feature stood out in a competitive field of entries because he’d stuck with the story for many months and had undertaken rigorous research to ensure the story was fact-checked and sourced. The judges praised Christopher’s use of old-fashioned journalism – pouring through documents obtained under Freedom of Information and using a number of sourced to verify his story. It was a well-written and detailed front-page story that ultimately led to the resignation of the former Deputy Chief Minister. The judges noted Christopher’s track record for breaking stories that matter to Territorians.”

Link to view winning submission here.

All Media Best Environment/Innovation Reporting

Sponsored by Engineers Australia

Winner: Jane Bardon, ABC, Nowhere to hide

Finalists:
- Elliana Lawford, ABC, Series Subject
- James Oaten, ABC, Environmental concerns ignored in Sandalwood expansion plans
Judges’ comments:

“Jane’s painstaking and thorough investigative reports into the impacts of development on the Northern Territory environment were a cut above the other entries. Jane sought further information to guide and inform her coverage through Freedom of Information requests. Her reports have impacted on Territory environmental policy and ensured that Territorians have not been kept in the dark about the impacts of mining, agriculture and other developments. In such a vast and sparsely populated part of the country, Jane was able to develop contacts and report from isolated locations. Her entry shows her ability to bring these stories to a national audience, while ensuring there is a well-crafted narrative presented in an ethical manner.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

All Media Best Sports Journalism

Sponsored by Bird in Hand

Winner: Elliana Lawford, ABC, Series Subject

Finalists:
- Henry Jones, Channel 9, Under Siege Eels Hit the NT
- Mark Wilton, Rural Weekly Northern Territory, Rodeo Days
Judges’ comments:

“The high calibre of sport entries meant the judges had a difficult task of deciding on one that was any better than the others. In the end the judges agreed that the entry from Elliana Lawford met all of the criteria. In particular, the story of the Wadeye footy league curbing violence in the community was well researched, well told and had the potential for broader impact. The judges agreed that that particular story reached a national audience and showed how the passion for sport could be utilised to make social change. The story was able to clearly show how a much maligned community was able to capitalize on what little they had at their disposal to help them reduce community violence. The story captured that it was clearly a community driven initiative that had the potential to inspire other communities to do likewise. The passion of the local people and the involvement of the local police as players and umpies was captured in the story. The story was a good news story on positive community action when it could have just as easily been a story of a sporting event.”

Link to view winning submission here.

All Media Magazine of the Year

Sponsored by NT Cattlemen’s Association

Winner: Territory Q Business Magazine

Finalists:
- Off the Leash – Turn It Up
- Off the Leash
Judges’ comments:

“The Magazine of the Year finalists are a fabulous representation of the rich diversity of the Territory. This year’s winner Territory Q has consistently delivered quality content for readers in the Territory and beyond. The judges were particularly impressed with Territory Q’s layout and photographic quality. Territory Q’s articles explore a wide variety of original issues that interest and excite Territorians and introduce us to the better and lesser known people involved in those issues.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Excellence in Indigenous Reporting

Sponsored by The Australian Government

Winner: Kate Wild, ABC, Voices from the Margins

Finalists:
- Amos Aikman, The Australian, Reconciliation
- Jane Bardon, ABC, Proud people ask for help
Judges’ comments:

“Voices from the Margins is a series of confronting reports that force to the surface the stories of Indigenous people living on the fringes in the Northern Territory. The news-breaking reports of mistreatment in the juvenile detention system pre-dated the Four Corners expose and the Royal Commission, displaying a high level of journalistic prowess. Kate has shown the same level of excellence and investigative skill in her reports into the federal government’s Work for the Dole program and into the use of mining royalties in a remote Aboriginal community. Her coverage of the death of Lala, a 20-year-old disabled woman, catalogued the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach that is often taken towards Indigenous Territorians. Without journalists willing to research, investigate and expose these stories they would remain a hidden reality. Kate’s storytelling abilities have ensured this is not the case.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Excellence in Northern Reporting

Sponsored by Northern Australian Development Office

Winner: Christopher Walsh, NT News, Sex, Lies and Videotape: Covering NT Politics

Finalists:
- Amos Aikman, The Australian, Far North
- Jane Bardon, ABC, Holding governments and industry to account up North
Judges’ comments:

“The number and quality of entries for this category (Excellence in Northern Reporting) much impressed the judges, and revealed the richness to be harvested from the Northern Territory’s fields of stories. Selecting the finalists was a challenging exercise. The work of the winner, Christopher Walsh, shone through because of the collateral damage it inflicted on the local polity. Walsh’s work demonstrates a fearless approach to his subjects, and won him enduring enmity from members of the previous NT government. He truly rattled the citadels of power in this jurisdiction.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three and four).

Gold Award: The Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award

Sponsored by Mix 104.9

Winner: Kate Wild, ABC, NT Juvenile Justice System

Finalists:
- Jane Bardon, ABC, Pressuring governments to tackle Third World living conditions
- Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Campaign for cardiothoracic and neurosurgical services
Judges’ comments:

“Kate’s exemplary reporting was chosen as the clear winner among a strong selection of finalists. Kate’s exclusive reports shed light on what was really going on inside the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, and she included essential analysis of government policy. Kate worked hard to secure crucial interviews with the family of Dylan Voller, with the NT Children’s Commissioner and with the Corrections Department. Her reports led to change and laid the ground work for the Four Corners investigation which led to a royal commission being called by the Prime Minister.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2016

Sponsored by The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

Winner: Avani Dias, ABC, Wave Hill 50th anniversary: Thousands join walk-off re-enactment to mark land rights protest

Finalists:
- Elliana Lawford, ABC, Know Your Enemy
- Tom Volling, Newscorp, In Too Deep: The killing of Rick Berry
Judges’ comments:

“Avani Dias’ body of work showed a deep understanding of Northern Territory issues, with a flair for original and engaging content. Her coverage of major milestones garnered national attention through clever scripting and carefully selected talent. She was able expose rare personal insights into stories of national significance and take the Top End to the rest of the world. Her exclusive coverage of elevated lead levels in Top End communities was the result of a year-long investigation that showed persistence, determination, and how good journalism can affect public policy. It was well written, without exaggeration and presented a compelling story. An outstanding body of work from a young journalist in a very competitive category.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Journalist of the Year 2016

Sponsored by The Northern Territory Government

Winner: James Oaten, ABC

Judges Comment:

“The judges closely considered four entrants for the NT Journalist of the Year, each of whom won in two award categories. We decided on James Oaten, who demonstrated tenacity in identifying and pursuing a story, maintained a dedication to truth and accuracy, independent thinking and presentation, fairness, impartiality and humanity. While James’ stories on the Don Dale fall-out were strong examples of daily journalism, the judges were especially impressed with his major piece for 7.30, “Young Australians are dying fighting Islamic State but can it be stopped?” James had previously broken the story on NT union boss Michael Gardiner going to Syria to fight with the Kurds. He stayed with the story and established contact with young Gold Coast man Reece Harding, who was also in Syria. When Reece stepped on a landmine and was killed, he had already gained the trust of Harding’s family who spoke to James through their grief. James was not only able to break the story of Harding’s death, he was able to provide a multi-faceted account and insight into the Australian anti-ISIS foreign fighter contingent that became a major national piece. We congratulate him.”
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